Athlete retains Welsh pentathlon title

VICKY Lloyd has completed a superb comeback from injury by regaining the Welsh Pentathlon title at the National Indoor Combined Events Championships in Sheffield.

The event incorporated both the UK and Welsh Championships at the same time, and Vicky’s personal best score of 3150 points was enough for her to finish as best Welsh woman, and tenth best in the UK.

“I missed most of last season with injury,” explained Vicky, who used to live in Herbrandston but now resides in Cardiff.

“At Christmas it was touch and go whether or not I would compete in Sheffield. But I spoke with my coach, Mike Guest, and we decided I should enter to see where I was with my comeback.

“And in the end the whole thing went really well.”

The pentathlon includes the hurdles, long jump, high jump, shot put and 800 metres, and the 27-year-old entered the final event as the leading Welsh woman.

“My points advantage only amounted to a few seconds in the 800 metres, which is not my strongest event, so I knew I still had to really go for it.

“I managed a personal best and was the first Welsh competitor home so as soon as I crossed the line I realised I was champion.”

That she was able to regain the title she first won two years ago is testament to Vicky’s commitment, as she juggles her athletics training with working full time as a chemotherapy nurse at the Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff.

“It’s been tough but my coach has helped me get into a routine now which helps me balance out my work and training.

“Living in Cardiff makes it easier as there are more training facilities available.

She was also quick to praise the work of her coaches at her former club, the Pembrokeshire Harriers.

“I come home a lot of weekends and train under Nigel Rowland and Richard Thomas, which has been really beneficial for me.”

The former Milford Haven Comprehensive and Sir Thomas Picton pupil will now turn her attention to the Scottish Open in Glasgow in March.

“The event is being held at the new Emirates Arena which they are going to use during the Commonwealth Games,” said Vicky.

“I’m excited about it because it’s a venue I have never been to before.”